India: At least ten flights in India have been affected by hoax bomb threats over the past 48 hours, causing significant uncertainties and diversions. Singapore’s Air Force dispatched two fighter jets to accompany an Air India Express plane away from populated areas following a bomb threat. This incident came shortly after an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was forced to land at a Canadian airport as a preventive measure.
While hoax bomb threats are not uncommon in India, the sudden increase in incidents has increased concerns among officials. In addition to Air India, flights from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air also acquired bomb threats. 3 international flights departing from Mumbai were diverted or delayed after a post from an X (formerly Twitter) handle issued threats. Police have since jailed a teenager in connection with these threats.
Seven additional flights, including two operated by Air India, were impacted by threats linked to another X handle that has now been suspended. Air India has stated that it is cooperating with authorities to recognise those behind the threats and is considering legal action to regain damages incurred due to the disruptions.
Each Indian airport has a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee responsible for assessing threats and coordinating responses. Such threats may involve the bomb disposal squad, sniffer dogs, ambulances, police, and medical personnel.
In cases of threats, passengers are offloaded, and all baggage, both cabin and checked, is screened again. Engineering and security teams also conduct thorough searches of the aircraft before it can resume operations.
The financial implications of these delays can be significant, costing airlines and security agencies thousands of dollars. For international flights, these incidents may also involve foreign authorities, as seen in Singapore and Canada.
Singapore’s Defense Minister reported that two fighter jets “scrambled and escorted” the Air India Express plane, which was travelling from Madurai, India, to Singapore, before it landed safely at Changi Airport.
In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is currently investigating the bomb threat that led to the precautionary landing of the Air India flight in Iqaluit. Air India declared that a Canadian Air Force plane is transporting passengers to Chicago, although it remains unclear when the original Air India flight will be permitted to take off again.
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